6 Coaching Advice that Stuck With Me Throughout My Career
Unlock the full potential of any team with timeless coaching insights that transform good players into great leaders. Discover the power of curiosity, the art of listening, and the value of genuine connections. Embrace the journey of continuous growth and servant leadership to leave a lasting impact.
- Your Job Is to Make Teammates Shine
- Stay Curious to Drive Innovation
- Develop Active Listening Skills
- Lead by Serving Others
- Build Authentic Relationships
- Commit to Lifelong Learning
Your Job Is to Make Teammates Shine
I played soccer since I was 4 and had the privilege to play with and against some of the best to wear a USWNT jersey. And one day when I was down on myself for making some mistakes, I sat next to Julie Foudy with tears in my eyes. After consoling me a bit, she said, "Your job is to make your teammate look good. So focus on increasing your touch, making better passes, and thinking in a way that helps your teammate. The better you get individually, the better the team will be." What she meant was that in order to be the best, my job was to improve my skills to help others' jobs become easier. Being a consummate teammate and professional is about daily learning and improvement to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Whether as an employee, or owner of my companies, I have taken that advice with me. It's not about taking credit, it's about helping more than myself. I love coaching others and rewarding what I want duplicated. And learning and curiosity are a daily practice in and out of sports.

Stay Curious to Drive Innovation
Maintaining a curious mindset can help individuals in their professional journey, allowing them to explore new ideas and grow. Curiosity drives innovation and helps in discovering solutions to problems. It is essential to ask questions and seek out new information regularly.
This habit not only enhances knowledge but also keeps the mind sharp and engaged. By staying curious, one can adapt to changes more effectively and remain competitive. So, always keep your sense of wonder alive and never stop learning.
Develop Active Listening Skills
In professional settings, it is vital to develop the skill of active listening. By listening more than speaking, individuals can understand others' perspectives and gather valuable insights. This practice helps in building strong relationships and fosters an environment of respect and trust.
Moreover, listening attentively can lead to better decision-making and conflict resolution. Therefore, make it a priority to truly hear what others are saying and show that their words matter.
Lead by Serving Others
Leading by serving others can create a positive and motivating work atmosphere. A servant leader puts the needs of their team first, helping them to reach their full potential. This approach builds loyalty and encourages collaboration.
By supporting and empowering team members, a leader can drive the organization's success. Embrace the mindset of serving others and watch how it transforms your leadership journey.
Build Authentic Relationships
Forming real connections with colleagues and clients is crucial for long-term success. Authentic relationships are built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect. When people feel genuinely connected, they are more likely to collaborate and support each other.
This networking can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships. Focus on building meaningful relationships, and you'll see the positive impact on your career.
Commit to Lifelong Learning
Continual learning is a key factor in personal and professional growth. Embracing lifelong learning ensures that one's skills remain relevant in an ever-changing world. It involves seeking new knowledge and experiences to stay ahead in the game.
This approach not only adds value to one's career but also enhances overall life satisfaction. Commit to being a lifelong learner and make the effort to broaden your horizons.